7 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Drone for Your Kids

Your kids are about to come home for the holidays. You are wondering what to get them to keep them busy. You have heard from other parents that drones are the new trend.

Thus, you are considering getting them one. However, it scares you since no one in your neighborhood has one and you don’t know anything about the gadgets. We are here to help you make the right decision by taking you through the basics. Before you click on the purchase button, here are 7 things you should know.

1. Purpose of the Drone

There are different types of drones. For example, there are professional grade drones and UAV-geared drones. The former options are designed for making deliveries while the latter options are suited for photography. So, if you are looking for a drone that they can use to have fun, then the UAV-geared options are ideal.

2. The State Laws

Just like the aircraft, there are rules governing the flying of drones. In some states, you may be required to register the drone before your kids can fly it. It’s also important to know that the drone should not be flown near private properties and the airport. Put simply, you should know what your local authority thinks about drones. In California, for example, there are restrictions pertaining to the usage of drones in photography. In such a case, it’s necessary to inform your kids of the restrictions so that they don’t violate any legislation. You may also find it essential to set a flying schedule for them.

3. The Terms Used

As you shop for drones for kids, there are a few terms that you have to understand. They include:

BNF (bind-to-fly): This means that the drone is fully assembled but requires a controller software to be flown

RTF (ready-to-fly): This means that the drone needs a propeller and batteries to be flown.

ARF (almost-ready-to-fly): This is a drone kit that needs to be assembled.

FPV (first-person video): This means that the drone can stream first-person footages effectively.

4. A Mobile Device is Required to Fly the Drone

Unlike the old designs which would come with their own controllers, the latest drones are mostly controlled by mobile devices. Provided that the smartphone has the latest operating system and is compatible with the control software, it will work. However, it’s advisable to check the product specifications so that you can identify the mobile devices that the manufacturer recommends.

5. There are Additional Costs

The costs do not stop after buying the drone. You’ll need to spend more on extra batteries, drone filters, and cases. In addition, if it’s a photography drone, you’ll need photo-editing tools. So, if your budget is $1000, it’s smart to spend $500 on the drone and the remaining on the additional costs.

6. A Drone isn’t a Toy

Lastly, a drone is a professional gadget and shouldn’t be mistaken for a toy. It requires maximum concentration and knowledge to control just like what is needed to fly an aircraft. Yes, terms like telemetry, pitch, accelerometer, gyroscope, pitch, yaw, and roll will be part of your daily lexicon. Educating yourself and your kid about UAVs (perhaps with online videos and eBook) should be the first step before you open the drone box.

7. It Takes Practice

As aforementioned, drones are not toys and flying them takes time to master. It may take time before your kids can skillfully fly the drone. Expect them to suffer a few crashes and wrong turns as they practice. So, you have to be patient. Your kid may a pro at the Call of Duty but flying a done effectively require a better understanding of the environmental conditions as well as spatial relationships. You can ask them to practice indoor before they can go to the park for the real fun.

Hopefully, you now know what to do with the drone once you buy it for your kids. The above basics will help you to stay within the law. You can use them to guide your kids since they are the ones who will be flying the gadget. While having fun, they need to know the boundaries.